Correa, Pelagio (or Payo) Perez

Correa, Pelagio (or Payo) Perez surnamed the Portuguese Joshua, was born in the early part of the 13th century, according to some historians, at Evora, according to others, at Santarem. He entered the new order of St. James, and was soon regarded as one of the most formidable adversaries of the powerful Mussulmans in the Peninsula. In 1242 he was elected grand master of the order, and at this time the Spanish chroniclers give to his history a truly legendary character. In 1248 he aided in the conquest of Seville by Ferdinand III of Castile. When Alfonso III was securely fixed upon the throne of Portugal, he called to his aid Correa, for the purpose of pushing his conquests. Correa died in 1275. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Biog. Universelle, s.v.