For a test I deleted the sketch that starts up, as while it starts it sets the digital pin 9 to Output, when the sketch does that is also makes the Pin high, vs. being set to low, which means that there is a momentary high before my code sets it low! This is a problem, as it turns on the motor on that port briefly, changing the position.
I connected to the linux terminal, and set up the digital output in /sys/class/gpio/gpio19 using instructions found here:
http://www.malinov.com/Home/sergey-s-blog/intelgalileo-programminggpiofromlinux
the minute I switch the port to Output , the pin goes high, then I can set the drive type, "strong", "hiz", etc.
but it initializes with a high bit when GPIO for that pin is set to output 
I'm running the Yocto 3.8.7-yocto-standard, I built it following the Intel instructions here:
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=23197
-Simon.