Colonel Edward Brooke Lee (1892-1984) was the son of U.S. Senator, Francis Preston Blair Lee; the great-grandson of Francis Preston Blair, who discovered the spring that gives Silver Spring its name; great-nephew of Montgomery Blair, for whom the first high school in the county is named; and the father of Blair Lee III, former governor of Maryland.

A World War I war hero, Lee was known as "Mr. Democrat" and the "Father of Modern Silver Spring." Lee helped to organize Company K of the Maryland National Guard's 115th Infantry.  Lee commanded Company K as aided General John J. Pershing in his pursuit of Mexican revolutionary and bandit, Pancho Villa.  In 1917 the company went to France to fight in the first world war. 

In Montgomery County, Lee promoted growth and development by helping to bring sewage, water and electricity to more areas.  He was also instrumental in the development of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

During his political career he served as Comptroller of the treasury, 1919-1922; a member of the House of Delegates for Montgomery County, 1927-30, 1941; Speaker of the House of Delegates, 1927-30; and Secretary of State, 1923-25.