Emigrated to the U.S. in 1863. An Emil Boettger appears in the city directories from 1870/71 through 1873/74 living at 157 East 4th Street and dealing in cigars. Emil Boettger as a musician appears beginning in the 1875/76 directory living at 183 Orchard Street. Boettger appears in the 1906/07 city directory as a musician living at 317 East 77th Street.
Dead by April 30, 1908 (the date of an official report documenting money received on behalf of his estate).