Who were the first residents of Shirdi to welcome Sai Baba, and what was their role in the village?

The first person to welcome Sai Baba in Shirdi was a gentleman named Mhalasapati. As described in chapter 0, Mhalasapati was a goldsmith by caste and a devout follower of Khandoba. When he saw Maharaj enter the Khandoba temple, he greeted him with the words "Aavo Sai Baba," thus giving him his name. Following this initial welcome, Mhalasapati introduced Baba to his companions, Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle. Chapter 0 notes that these three men were known in the village for their hospitality, as they would serve and look after the various saints, Fakirs, and Bairagis who frequently passed through Shirdi.