Such application shall be in writing, verified by affidavit, shall contain an accurate description of the lands sought to be sold and shall set forth the names and places of residence of the heirs or devisees and whether they are under or over the age of 19 years; and the court shall give notice to such heirs or devisees of the filing of such application and of the day appointed to hear the same by publication once a week for three successive weeks in some newspaper published in the county or, if none is published therein, in the newspaper published nearest to the courthouse of such county, by posting notice at the courthouse door for the same length of time and by forwarding notices to those whose places of residence are known. If any of the heirs or devisees are unknown, they may be made parties in the manner provided by section 43-2-447.