On May 12, 1836 the Second Municipality Council passed an ordinance providing for the appointment of a Wharfinger "for the landing of the Second Municipality." He was to direct the landing of all ships in the port and perform other duties specified by that and later ordinances. The law also specified that he keep an account of the port's business in a set of books, one for ships and other sea-going vessels, one for steamboats, one for flatboats, and one for barges and other craft. An abstract from these records was to be furnished to the Comptroller each month.

In 1838 the Council authorized the position of assistant or deputy Wharfinger. On April 20, 1847 it provided for the appointment of two Wharfingers, one to perform duties relative to steamboats and the other for sea-going vessels and other craft. The former officer was called the Steamboat Wharfinger and the latter the Ship Wharfinger. In February, 1850 a new ordinance adjusted responsibilities of the two officials so that the Steamboat Wharfinger was responsible for all vessels docked below St. Joseph St. and the Ship Wharfinger for all those lying above that street.