An action shall not be maintained on a bill of exchange or promissory note which has been indorsed against any one secondarily liable thereon, without joining in the action all persons residing in this state who are liable before such person on the bill or note. The action shall be brought in the county where the party, or some one who is at first liable on said bill or note, shall reside. The clerk shall issue duplicate writs to the several counties for the various defendants.