Before the statement is filed, the Prothonotary shall docket the case in the appearance docket and immediately issue a citation for the person whose right to the office is contested to appear on the first day of the second term of the Superior Court to make such defense as he or she may have, which citation shall be delivered to the sheriff or, if the sheriff be a party to the contest, to the coroner of the county, and be served by the sheriff or county coroner upon the party defendant in person or, if the party defendant cannot be found, by leaving a copy thereof at the house where the party defendant last resided at least 5 days before the day to which such citation is returnable. The original citation shall be returned to the Prothonotary on or before the first day of the next term of Court after it is issued, and the manner of service shall be endorsed thereon and signed by the officer serving the same.