Folwell was born Mullica Hill, New Jersey in 1885. He attended Haverford Grammar School, where he made prep football All-American. He married Elizabeth Pennock in 1913 and had three sons: Robert III, George P. and William Nathan. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he set several school football records that stand to this day. He also starred as a wrestler. He won the Intercollegiate Wrestling Association's 175-pound title in 1907.
Folwell was born Mullica Hill, New Jersey in 1885. He attended Haverford Grammar School, where he made prep football All-American. He married Elizabeth Pennock in 1913 and had three sons: Robert III, George P. and William Nathan. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he set several school football records that stand to this day. He also starred as a wrestler. He won the Intercollegiate Wrestling Association's 175-pound title in 1907.
