 In 1779, at the age of 16, he moved to London to join his brother George in working for an uncle's piano and flute manufacturer, Astor & Broadwood.While there, he learned English and anglicized his name to John Jacob Astor.In 1783 or March 1784, Astor immigrated to New York City, just after the end of the American Revolution when the United States became independent of Great Britain.