Who were the primary individuals in Shirdi responsible for hospitality towards saints, and what was their relationship with Sai Baba?

In Shirdi, there was a trio of compassionate men who made it their duty to care for visiting saints, Fakirs, and other holy persons. As Chapter 0 describes, these men were Mhalasapati, a goldsmith by caste, along with his companions Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagle. They would provide hospitality to visitors according to their capacity. When Mhalasapati first welcomed Sai Baba into the village, he introduced him to Kashiram and Appa. The text states that all three 'became total devotees of Maharaj.' They formed the core of his earliest followers, serving him devotedly, though Kashiram and Appa passed away some years later.