When reading that in 1936 Heinrich Himmler Reichsfuhrer-SS, considered Henry I the first king of Germany and declared his tomb a site of pilgrimage for Germans I was surprised to learn that he was referring to Henry I, the Fowler, King of East Francia & Duke of Saxony, my 31st great-grandfather.

Henry was born around 876 at Memleben in modern day Saxony-Anhalt. His father was Otto I, the Illustrious (830-912), a duke of Saxony and his mother, Hedwiga of Babenberg (850-903). Her father died fighting against the Vikings during the Siege of Paris in West Francia.