Writs of execution shall bear date and be issued in the same manner as original process, and shall be made returnable on the first day of the next term of the court in which the judgment or decree was rendered, if there be fifteen days between the issuance and return thereof, and, if not, on the first day of the term next thereafter. Such execution may be directed to the sheriff or other proper officer of any county, who shall serve and execute the same, and make return thereof to the court in which the judgment or decree was rendered.