In every case in which any such question of disputed compensation shall be required to be determined by the verdict of a jury the promoters of the undertaking shall present their petition to the sheriff to summon a jury for that purpose; and such petition shall, if the promoters be a company or corporation, be signed by the secretary or proper officer or person authorized by such company or corporation, and if they be not a company or corporation such petition shall be signed by the promoters, or any two of them, if more than one.