Tarring and feathering is a form of public humiliation that has been used for centuries to take revenge or to punish someone. It was used during the American Revolution and throughout American history to harm people with certain political or religious beliefs. The victim was usually stripped naked to the waist, tar was poured or painted on his chest, and he was rolled in feathers. The practice is very painful and can cause severe health problems. 

These men were tarred and feathered during the 1918 campaign by people who opposed the Nonpartisan League. They were from Luverne and Hinckley, and were both farmers who had expressed opinions about democracy and economic reform that clashed with others in their towns. After the assault, one moved to South Dakota and the other to Wisconsin.