Joachim Denaut, from Laprarie, Lower Canada, settled at Johnstown, County of Grennville, about the year 1800. The family was originally from France, Bishop Denaut, of Lower Canada, being a brother to the grandfather of Walter.

Walter was born in Prescott in 1807.  He lived in Prescott until 1825, when he came to the village of Delta (then still known as Beverley) to work as a clerk for Hartwell and Schofield, who were presumably merchants. After four years he moved to Brockville, where he tried his hand at a couple of strangely divergent careers. He first apprenticed himself to Dr Hubbell as a student of medicine, but soon found the profession was not to his liking. His next job was as deputy collector of custom duties. However, during this same period he formed a company with James Crawford, in order to work on the construction of canals along the St Lawrence. They secured several contracts, and Denaut's fortunes were obviously on the rise, as in 1839 he reappeared in Beverley. Here he opened a business as a general merchant. His store, which subsequently included a post-office, was situated in a stone building that was to later become the Ackland Blacksmith Shop.

Walter married Julia Easton, sister of George Easton, Esq. The wedding took place in 1843.  They have four children, Roderick, George, Walter, and Julia. His wife dies and Walter marries Harriet Jones, of Connecticut, but she also dies. Walter, who obviously preferred the married state, soon marries Caroline Dunham, who presented him with no less than seven children.

In 1889 Mr. Walter H. Denaut dies at his home in Delta. It was on a Saturday, and was buried on Monday.  Mr. or Squire Denaut as he was called, was well known and loved, and with his death the country lost a man who has been closely identified with the progress of the area.