Who were Mhalasapati, Kashiram Shimpi, and Appa Jagle, and what was their initial relationship with saints visiting Shirdi?

Chapter 0 introduces these three men as early devotees. Mhalasapati, a goldsmith by caste, was the first to meet Maharaj in the Khandoba temple. He then introduced Maharaj to his companions, Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle. Before meeting Maharaj, these three men were known for their hospitality towards the many saints, Gosavis, Bairagis, and Fakirs who came to the busy village of Shirdi. They would serve and look after these visitors according to their capacity. All three subsequently became total devotees of Maharaj.