SEGURA, Juan Bautista (say-goo'-rah), Spanish missionary, born in Toledo, Spain; died in Virginia in February, 1571. He entered the Society of Jesus at Alcala in April, 1566, was appointed vice-provincial of Florida in 1568, and sailed the same year from Spain at the head of a band of missionaries. Landing at Havana, he made arrangements for the education of young Indians, and then set out for the province of Carlos in Florida. He spent several months in studying the language, at the same time attending to the spiritual interests of the Spanish soldiers. When able to converse with the natives, he labored for about a year in the countries along Appalachee bay, but with little success. Thinking that he would have better prospects at a distance from the Spanish ports, he accepted the offer of a converted Indian, Luis de Velasco, who promised to conduct him in safety to his tribe and assist him in his pious endeavors. Accompanied by Luis, a Jesuit, and seven lay brothers, Segura sailed from Santa Helena on 5 August, 1570, entered Chesapeake bay, ascended the Potomac, and landed on 10 September The missionaries found the natives in a miserable condition, owing to a famine which had prevailed for several years, and therefore sent their vessel back for supplies, especially seed-corn, which they hoped to persuade the Indians to plant. They then pressed on through a vast track of marsh and wood, expecting to find a village which Luis said was ruled by his brother. They spent more than a month travelling, living on roots and herbs, but without reaching their destination. In February they were deserted by their guide, who went to his brother's village, about five miles distant, promising to prepare his countrymen for their arrival. Some time having elapsed without hearing from him, Segura sent three of his companions to beg him to return. The messengers were attacked and killed by Luis at the head of a band of Indians. Luis then proceeded to the hut which the missionaries had erected and demanded the hatchets and knives which they had with them. Segura gave them up silently, and then knelt with his companions in prayer. At a signal they were all massacred, only an Indian boy escaping. The name given to the country which Segura attempted to evangelize was Axacan. It lay between the Potomac and the Rappahannock, probably extending on each side of these rivers. He wrote "Tratado de la Humildad y Obediencia" (Madrid, 1600).