Upon any petition of appeal under this Act being considered by the sheriff, he shall satisfy himself that the intimation before mentioned has been made, and, if not duly made, he shall order such intimation as he shall consider necessary, and thereafter he shall inquire into the circumstances, and hear the parties, by themselves or their agents, without any written pleadings, unless the same shall be specially ordered by him; but he shall take a note of the proceedings and of any evidence which may be led before him, and shall dispose of the petition as shall be just.