Looking for Ward Starting with Central Florida

Please bear with me on this---I'm new to it all.

What I have so far:
Ray A. WARD---my father, m. Sherla Jean McNEAL. Both are from Hillsborough Co., Fla.
Wade Hampton WARD---my grandfather, m. Lois Emma ANDERSON

I have James Alvin WARD as my great-grandfather in the info that I have. He married Mary Ruby HOGAN/HOGANS Feb. 20, 1883. His father was Absolom Benjamin WARD, married to Caroline Mathilda BARRINEAU. I am given to understand that these folks were in the area of Levy Co., Florida in the mid 1800's, and that they came from Wilson, N.C..

I have searched and searched other sites and keep hitting the wall with Absolom. Any information/stories would be welcome.