I have just found your old message.
Looking for any information on Henry Botger (my great grandfather). Born Hamburg, Prussia C 1836. Surname also seen as Bötger.
The story goes that he left Prussia at the age of 14 and worked as a cook on board a ship. Eventually he ended up in Australia. He became a Master Mariner and Sea Pilot based in Brisbane, Queensland.
His father was John Botger and mother Ann Vickers or Wickers. I believe his father was also a Master Mariner in Prussia.
The surname was changed to Bottger at some point during the late 1800’s.
Can you please check your book and let me know if you find anything.
Thanks
Jane