In 1794, four years before the publication of the first issue of the Carlisle Journal, Francis had published Hutchinson's Dictionary of Cumberland. This suggests that he was a man of some standing and repute, as such an undertaking was unlikely to be entrusted to just anyone. He was a man of literary tastes and from the outset he had gathered around him men of similar ideas and aspirations. When he brought out the Journal, in 1798, it was partly with the idea of it providing an advertising vehicle for the books that he sold. The original cover price was sixpence(6d). Of this fourpence was due to the Paper Duty which was imposed and only twopence went towards the cost of printing it. The Journal was evidently guaranteed by subscribers - no doubt the men of similar ideas to his own. The imprint on the paper read rather strangely: "Printed by Francis Jollie in Scotch Street and published at his Compting Office, second door in the lane opposite the Town Hall", leaving no-one in any doubt as to just where he could be found.

The Journal began to assume a more distinct and decided character as a political organ and the leading article became a regular feature. In 1815, no doubt inspired by the success of the Journal, an opposition paper appeared in the field and to fight off the competition the Journal was considerable improved in it's literary and political contents and in it's typographical arrangements. There was a lively spirit of controversy and it's features were original correspondence

He became a well known printer and stationer. His office off Scotch Street, in 1811 included the state lottery office for Carlisle. In 1811 when he published a two volume directory of Cumberland his offices were off Scotch Street. The premises were demolished and rebuilt in 1982-84 as part of The Lanes development. Abbey Street Chapel has long since been demolished. No obituary appears in the Carlisle Journal when he died in 1820, although at the time he was the sole proprietor. Following his death the names of his two sons, Francis and James appeared in the imprint as printers and publishers, while the editor was a third son, Jeremiah, assisted by Dr. Ireland, a well known local medical practitioner of considerable ability.