Service of the notice required by section 7-1-6 of this chapter upon resident property owners abutting on any such improvement to be directed to be made, shall be made by delivering a copy of such notice to the owner of the property or by leaving a copy thereof at the usual place of residence of such owner, with some member of his family or other person in his employ over the age of fourteen (14) years. (1960 Compilation § 14-202)