Heinrich studied in Göttingen and Giessen and joined the Hessian army as a lieutenant in 1854.

In 1879 he became commander of the 25th (Grand Ducal Hessian) Division and shortly afterwards was promoted to Lieutenant General.

On 7 July 1887, Heinrich retired and received the Pour le Mérite; being the final recipient by order of William I as the latter died in the next year.

Heinrich married morganatically on 25 February 1878, Caroline Willich von Pöllnitz (1848-1879), member of petite nobility of Hesse.

He married again in 1892 - also morganatically, to Emilie Hrzic de Topuska (1868-1961), member of the minor Croatian nobility.