Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1832, Addis migrated to Lawrence, Kansas in 1850. He worked as a photographer's assistant for Thomas Short, learning the art of photography and gradually securing his own clients under Short's guidance.
Adis, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1832, moved from Philadelphia to Lawrence, Kansas in 1850. He worked as a photographer's assistant for Thomas Short, learning photography and building his clientele under Short's mentorship.