Background
He was born in Adelaide the son of Thomas Plummer Addison, who emigrated to South Australia with his wife Eliza aboard the Pestonjee Bomanjee, arriving in October 1838, and who was for many years deputy collector of Customs of South Australia.
Education
Arthur was educated at Saint Peter"s College, and on leaving found employment with Younghusband and Cadell"s River Murray Navigation Company.
Career
After three years he worked for the National Bank, then four years with the Bank of South Australia, during which time he served as the bank"s Portuguese Elliot branch. He next went into business with William Bowman, setting up a flour milling business at Middleton, which proved highly profitable. While at Portuguese Elliot, Addison was involved with the district council, and served as chairman for much of that time.
He succeeded Thomas Playford as chairman of the district councils of South Australia.
He was the inaugural chairman of the District Council of Orroroo from 1888 to 1890. Foreign six months in 1909 he was a minister without portfolio.
In 1903 he was offered the portfolio of Chief Secretary in the Kingston government but declined the honor. Their son Gerald Bowman Addison (died 1994) was also a noted marksman.
Membership
He then entered South Australian politics, serving as a member of the South Australian Legislative Council for the Northern region from 1888 to 1915. He was a great sportsman, and a member of Tattersall"s Club.