Why was the author moved to tears when he learnt that Gessler was no more?

After returning from abroad, the author first visits Mr. Gessler’s shop. Mr. Gessler was now seventy-five and at first he couldn’t recognize him. The narrator gives a huge order but he has to wait for long before receiving his order. After a week he goes to Mr. Gessler to inform him that the quality of the boots were perfect as always. But to his surprise he discovers that the name plate was no more there. He was disturbed to see this and immediately went inside the shop. A young English man greeted him. On enquiring about the Gessler brothers he came to know that the younger Gessler had died due to starvation. The young man further detailed out that he would devote himself to shoe making in such a way that he forgot everything else. All the money he earned went into the rents and the acquisition of leather. On hearing this, the author was moved to tears. The young man and the narrator both talked about the quality of shoes they use to make.