Background
He was the son of manufacturer and politician, Carl Christian Ulrich Deffner (1789–1846). In 1846, following the death of his father, he took over management of a metal goods factory.
He was the son of manufacturer and politician, Carl Christian Ulrich Deffner (1789–1846). In 1846, following the death of his father, he took over management of a metal goods factory.
He received his education at the polytechnic schools in Stuttgart and Berlin. He is known for his geological investigations of Württemberg, in particular, exploratory studies of the Nördlinger Ries crater and the Filder Graben (located near Filderstadt). He also made significant contributions towards publication of the geological map of Württemberg.
Shortly before his death, he donated his paleontological, mineralogical and geological collections to the Oberrealschule in Esslingen.
From 1855 to 1870 he was a member of the Württemberg Landtag (Liberal Party), and from 1868 to 1870 was part of the Zollparlament.